Rooney's Fresh Take: Salah Under Fire as Liverpool's Form Dips
Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend, delivered a fresh critique of Mohamed Salah, accusing the Egyptian winger of neglecting his defensive duties as Liverpool slumped in form.
Liverpool registered their fifth league defeat after their Sunday setback to Manchester City, continuing a worrying run that saw them lose seven of their last ten matches across all competitions, casting doubt on their title ambitions after also exiting the Carabao Cup.
Although Salah shone last season, he has struggled this term for goals as Liverpool's attack finds itself blunt. The Egyptian has only four goals so far, despite previously being spared some defensive responsibilities.
Rooney pointed to the exposed right-back Conor Bradley against Manchester City's Jérémy Doku, who produced a standout display and won man of the match after scoring a superb goal.
Rooney argued that Bradley needed more support from Salah on the defensive flank.
Rooney told the Mirror: "Salah is in the side to score and create, and he has one of the best records in the Premier League over the last six or seven years, but in big games the effort must be doubled."
He added: "You have to come back and help your teammate. Conor Bradley faced a very difficult day, and leaving him isolated was unacceptable. Ryan Gravenberch tried to cover on the right, but it left gaps elsewhere. Salah should have come back more."
On the day, Salah could not compensate with goals as Manchester City’s defense—paired with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz—neutralized Liverpool’s attack, narrowing the gap to Arsenal and leaving the reigning champions vulnerable to another costly slip if they are to defend their title.
Rooney had previously voiced concerns about Liverpool’s performance earlier in the season, particularly after their defeat to Chelsea, warning that Salah’s lack of defensive support had become an issue and that his impact in the final third was no longer enough.
“When things are going well and you’re scoring and winning, it’s awesome, but last week I would have questioned his work rate and effort on the pitch,” Rooney said.
Wayne Rooney... from the streets of Liverpool to a Manchester United icon
Rooney is one of the most prominent stars in English football history, known for his natural talent, combative character, and ability to score in big moments. Born on October 24, 1985, in Liverpool, he began his football journey at Everton’s academy, catching the eye early and prompting talk of a future superstar.
Beginnings with Everton: Rooney joined Everton’s academy at age nine and broke into the first team in 2002 at 16. His fearless running and goal-scoring ability earned early comparisons to the greats, including his famous strike that ended Arsenal’s long invincibility run to announce a new star in English football.
Over two seasons with Everton he featured in 77 matches and scored 17 goals, attracting attention from bigger clubs. In 2004, Manchester United secured his transfer for about £27 million, making him the then-most expensive teenager in British football history.
The rise at Manchester United: At United, Rooney blossomed under Sir Alex Ferguson, transitioning from a teenager with immense potential to a global star. He started brilliantly with a hat-trick in his first Champions League appearance against Fenerbahçe.
Over 13 seasons at Old Trafford, Rooney became the team’s beating heart, contributing to one of United’s most successful eras. He won five Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2008, along with the Club World Cup, FA Cup, and three League Cups.
Rooney was renowned for his versatility, starting as a traditional striker before shifting to a creator or winger as demanded by the team. His fighting spirit and will to win made him a fan favorite.
In 2017, he became United’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton with 253 goals in 559 appearances across competitions.
The captain and symbol for England: Internationally, Rooney represented England for the first time in 2003 at age 17, becoming the youngest to score for the Three Lions at that time. He played in six major tournaments (four Euros and two World Cups) and stood as one of the team’s brightest stars for a decade.
Rooney’s return to his roots and the American chapter: After leaving United in 2017, he returned to his boyhood club Everton for a single season, then moved to D.C. United in MLS, continuing to excel despite advancing age.
In his final years as a player, he joined Derby County in the English second division, where he combined playing and coaching, eventually taking the job as full-time manager in 2020. He showed strong leadership amid financial and administrative turmoil while keeping the club competitive.
From the pitch to the touchline: After hanging up his boots, Rooney moved into coaching, leading clubs like D.C. United and Birmingham City. Despite a rocky start, he has pursued coaching with the same determination that defined his playing days, aiming to leave a lasting mark in management as he did on the field.
Punchline 1: If defense were a buffet, Salah would have to start paying for his own side dishes.
Punchline 2: Rooney’s verdict: defend like you mean it, or face the legend’s glare next time you skip your backline practice.
